Iodo-aryl carbonates for use in methods in radiography

Abstract

A method for using iodo-aryl carbonates, such as for example, p-iodo-benzyl carbonates, p-iodo-sec-phenethyl carbonates, p-iodo-phenethyl carbonates, p-iodo-phenyl carbonates, 3-(p-iodophenyl)propyl carbonates, 3-(p-iodophenyl)butyl carbonates, 2-(p-iodobenzyl)butyl carbonates and 2-(p-iodobenzyl)-n-hexyl carbonates, to provide radiopaques for various radiography purposes in connection with such techniques as X-ray applications including myelography, salpingography, lymphography and bronchography. The method first comprises selecting a compound generally categorized as a carbonate and having the general formula ##STR1## wherein R represents an alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms and R' represents an iodinated phenyl linked directly to the ester oxygen or through an alkyl chain consisting of 1 to 3 carbon atoms. An effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable carbonate, as defined herein, is then placed into the subject body cavity and the particular X-ray or other study performed of this area.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for visualizing an inner body cavity in an animal comprising: (a) placing an effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable iodinated phenyl carbonate compound into a body cavity in an animal; and   (b) X-raying the body cavity.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable iodinated phenyl carbonate compound is of the formula ##STR26## wherein: (a) R is a lower alkyl group consisting of a straight or branched chain having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and (b) R' is an iodinated phenyl linked directly to the ester oxygen or through a lower alkylene group consisting of a straight or branched chain having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms.   
     
     
       3. The method of claim 2 wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable iodinated phenyl carbonate compound is of the formula ##STR27## wherein: (a) R 1  is a lower alkyl group consisting of a straight or branched chain having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; (b) R 2  is a lower alkylene chain linking the aromatic ring to the carbonate by 0 to 3 carbon atoms and having attached thereto a constituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl groups with 1 to 4 carbon atoms;   (c) X is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and iodine; and   (d) W and Y are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, iodine, amine and acetamido when X is iodine, at least W or Y being iodine when X is hydrogen.   
     
     
       4. The method of claim 3 wherein the iodinated phenyl carbonate compound is capable of elimination by the normal body processes within less than about six weeks following said placing. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 3 wherein said X-raying comprises performing a radiographic study of the body cavity, said performing including X-raying the cavity from different angles and over a period of time as the placed amount of iodinated phenyl carbonate moves inside the cavity in order to obtain visualization of the complete inner body cavity. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 1 additionally comprising the step of allowing the placed amount of iodinated phenyl carbonate to be eliminated by the normal body processes. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 1 wherein said placing comprises injecting through a needle. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 1 wherein said placing comprises insuflating through a tube. 
     
     
       9. The method of claim 7 which additionally includes bringing the iodinated phenyl carbonate to about body temperature prior to said injecting and injecting said compound while at about the body temperature.